Mark Torpey is the sports editor of The Enterprise and The Patriot Ledger, and this is our all-sports blog. Use it as a jumping off point for our sport-specific blogs on Boston pro teams, or stay right here and talk about high school and college
...

Mark Torpey is the sports editor of The Enterprise and The Patriot Ledger, and this is our all-sports blog. Use it as a jumping off point for our sport-specific blogs on Boston pro teams, or stay right here and talk about high school and college sports and other topics.

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Nov. 15, 2012
12:01 a.m.

We begin this Harvard/Yale week; also known as the 129th playing of “The Game,” with a dog.

He goes by the moniker of Handsome Dan. He is the Yale bulldog, a mascot that traces back to 1889. And is the first animal mascot in college football history.

The first dog was purchased by a local blacksmith, Andrew Graves for the sum of $5.

His taxidermied body remains on permanent display in the lobby of the Payne Whitney Gymnasium.

Legend has it, according to the Philadelphia press that; “Dan would bark ferociously, and work himself into physical contortions of rage, never before dreamed of by a dog once the command ‘Speak to Harvard’ was given.”

The present Dan and the one who will be in attendance at the Stadium Saturday is; XVII.

This weekend let’s see which teams perform handsomely, and which play so poorly, they are treated like dogs.

Yale at Harvard – The Game (NBCSN, Noon) Over the last decade, “The Game,” has been dominated by the Crimson.

Harvard has won 10 of the last 11, and is currently entertaining a five game winning streak.

This year the rivalry also carries an added intriguing twist.

Newly minted Yale Coach Tony Reno was hired from the Harvard staff last year, making him the first head coach in Bulldog history to go from H to Y.

He also took with him, several of Harvard’s assistants, which didn’t sit very well with Crimson Coach Tim Murphy.

The Johns are a balanced offensive juggernaut; fourth in the FCS, (40 points) in scoring, while passing for over 200 yards, and rushing for over 200 yards per contest.

The D, which has a lot of players in the Mash Unit, leads the nation (19) in interceptions. It is led by tackle Taylor Hart, and backer Michael Clay, and although not considered stellar, it is the best unit in the Kelly regime.

Every student at Stanford knows, there is no chance of slowing something, which moves at the speed of light.

There is no chance to catch the Ducks, who move, to paraphrase Mel Brooks at; “Ludicrous speed.”

No.6 Ohio State at Wisconsin (Ch. 5, 3:30 p.m.) The Buckeyes decision to accept its bowl ban this year, as opposed to last, has cost the Columbus Colossus millions.

In addition, the animosity over recruiting between Wiscy’s Coach, Bret Bielema, and Urban Meyer, makes the Ray Flynn - Tom Menino frost-a-thon, look like a love-in.

The Sons of Hopalong Cassady, are ignited by its Heisman contending QB, Braxton Miller (14 touchdown passes – 6 interceptions -13 rushing), who does his best work with his legs, over 1000 yards.

The leader of nation’s 8th best ground attack, is assisted by tailback Carlos Hyde, while wideouts Corey Brown, and Devin Smith, are favorite targets.

The D led by backer Ryan Shazier, and end John Simon, stone runners, but is ranked a woeful 97, defending against the pass.

The Badgers have already punched its ticket to the BIG Ten Championship game.

The Boys from Madison may have the best running tandem since the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote.

The twosome of Montee Ball and James White, have rumbled for over 1800 yards and 24 TDs.

(Note: Ball needs two more touchdowns to eclipse the all-time NCAA record of 78.)

The QB duties have been given to senior Curt Phillips (1 touchdown pass – 0 interceptions), the third signal caller to start under center this season for the Badgers.

The country’s 12th stingiest D (17 pts.) led by backers Mike Taylor, and Chris Borland (hamstring) is solid in all phases.

It’s never easy to go against Wiscy in Mad-Town, but with a better coach, and more dynamic QB, we think the Buckeyes say; “Good-bye Columbus,” to the cheese heads.

No.21 USC at No.17 UCLA (FOX, 3 p.m.) The winner, in this battle for LA, punches its ticket into the inaugural Pac-12 title game.

Overall, it’s been a disappointing, and turmoil filled season, for the Men of Troy, who were once considered national championship timber.